ActionAid Nigeria has urged young people to take leading roles in driving climate action, strengthening accountability and ensuring the implementation of Nigeria’s climate commitments.
Blessing Ifemenam, Programme Adviser for the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA II) Project at ActionAid Nigeria, made the call on Thursday in Abuja at the National Conference of Youth on Climate Change (LCOY-Youth COP 2026).
ActionAid Nigeria organised the conference in collaboration with the German Cooperation (GIZ) and other partners. It was themed: “Advancing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) Implementation: Youth-Led AI and Climate Finance Capacity Building for a Resilient Nigeria”.
The conference aimed to empower young people to showcase their ideas, innovations and insights, while engaging policymakers and other stakeholders on climate action.
Ifemenam said the conference came at a critical time as Nigeria worked to implement its third Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0).
She said young people should be recognised as leaders, advocates, innovators and decision-makers, rather than mere participants in climate discussions.
Climate action must be grounded in justice, human rights, equality and accountability, given the disproportionate effects of climate change on vulnerable communities, she said.
“The climate crisis disproportionately affects communities that have contributed least to global emissions, particularly young people, women, girls and other marginalised populations.
“Government, civil society organisations, development partners and the private sector must ensure that young people have access to the information, resources and platforms required to influence climate policies,” she said.
Ifemenam said ActionAid was committed to strengthening youth movements, promoting climate-accountable governance and supporting community-led resilience.
She added that the organisation would continue to advocate for a just transition that protects livelihoods while creating inclusive opportunities.
On the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in climate action, she said technology could support innovation, evidence generation and advocacy. However, its application must be inclusive, accessible and responsive to community needs.
“Innovation should not deepen existing inequalities; it should help us address them,” she said.
Ifemenam expressed concern that climate finance and public investments were not adequately reaching the communities and young people who needed them most.
She called for stronger collaboration among government, civil society, development partners and the private sector to ensure accountability for climate commitments.
The programme adviser also urged stakeholders to strengthen links between youth-led solutions and policy processes so young people’s contributions could translate into tangible policy influence.
“This conference should go beyond statements of commitment to identify practical actions young people can lead, influence and monitor.
“Let us move from consultation to influence, from commitments to accountability, and from youth participation to youth-led transformation,” she said.
